Precious stones gleamed cunningly everywhere, and the chains from which the censer swung were studded with diamonds. They could scarcely bear to put it down, but gazed at it entranced with its beauty. Every moment they found in it some greater glory.
“I have seen nothing modern even resembling this,” said Alan at last. “Why, it is exquisite—think of its value!”
“Its history alone would render it priceless,” said Desmond, “apart from its precious metal and workmanship.”
“Yes, but of what use is it to us down here?” questioned Alan. “And even if we ever do get out, who will believe our story?”
“I wonder where we shall find ourselves if we do discover a way out,” said Desmond. “We have lost all sense of direction down here—of distance and of time. Why, we haven’t even any idea of how far we have walked since we left the purple people—how far do you think, Alan?”
Alan shook his head. “It’s impossible to say, Dez. How many times have we slept? We counted three hundred times and then forgot—three hundred times is a long while, old boy. We must have walked at least fifteen miles each ‘day’ we have been on the march—perhaps even more—so we have done a considerable distance.”
“Then where shall we find ourselves? Africa? America? Asia?”
“Well, we shall not be penniless when we do get to the world again,” and Alan pointed at the wealth of jewels at their feet.
“It is those that make me feel we shall never get out,” said Desmond despondently.
“Because it is only in books of romance that such an adventure as ours would culminate successfully, and it would only be in a Romance of Romances that adventurers would come back from the very centre of the earth, laden with such untold wealth!”
“Don’t be so depressing, Dez,” laughed Alan.
“But it’s true, Lanny. With wealth like this in our hands we could command the trades of the entire world. Why, with this we could corner wheat—corner cotton—corner millionaires themselves—if we were permitted to use it.”
“Well, it depends on the government of the country we eventually land in; they will want their share. If it’s France we may get one half—if it’s Spain perhaps an eighth—Russia?—well, nothing at all and the salt mines into the bargain.”
“You are very cheerful,” laughed Alan, “but as a matter of fact, I’ve been planning what I mean to do with my share if we do get out.”